Daily city commutes leave my feet feeling tired and tender—a problem that this hour-long treatment promised to remedy. Esthetician Donna Marri firmly milked the aches out of my lower extremities, starting with the top of my toes and working up toward the bottom of my knees. The brown water-filled soaking tub seemed unorthodox at first, but I quickly realized the hue was a result of the malted soap bath bombs that filled the air with the service’s eponymous scent. The sweet smell carried through the remainder of the session, which also incorporated a sugar scrub-turned-mask and a cocoa-infused moisturizer applied after my feet were pumiced and buffed. The last step was a meticulous paint job with cherry red Zoya lacquer—one of the 50-plus big-brand shades available. $45.
LES residents can visit these spas in NYC to experience myriad services, from manicures and pedicures to scrubs and body treatments. Find out where to take care of the basics and where to splurge for a special occasion.
RECOMMENDED: New York spas guide 2013